7200 Gallons per drop per plane! That's compared to the 800 Gallon from the small float planes that have replaced them.

This is a question of strategy, not money. Is the current fire fighting strategy working? Perhaps the Premier should ask the residents of her West Kelowna riding.

In September 2013, after the contract was cancelled and a huge outcry ensued, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, representing every community in BC, passed the resolution below. The Premier needs to listen to All British Columbians!! #bringbackthemars

"WHEREAS the Martin Mars water bomber has served the British Columbia Forest Service since 1960, and is the largest direct attack fire suppressionaircraft in the world and without the Mars, the British Columbia ForestService has no direct attack airplanes to fight urban interface wildfires;

AND WHEREAS the contract between the BC Forest Service and Coulson Group, the operator of the Mars, expired on August 31, 2013, leaving communities in BC without protection provided by the Mars:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia be urged to renew the contract with Coulson Group and retain the Martin Mars waterbomber as part of its fire suppression program in the interests of itseffectiveness in direct attacks, delivery cost, its long-term utility andits ability to create safe zones through strategic drops."

And finally, Trena Carpenter sent along this poem. A truly beautiful ode to the Mars.

The first thunder in the valley That brought all eyes to the skyA big majestic beautyOverhead these planes would fly

Always ready for the callYou would hear the engines roar A bomber off to do its jobAlways left u wanting more

A red and white winged iconPeople came all the way to seeway more than just a fighterThey were remarkable to see!

This year it's very eerieThere is silence overhead The bomber sits upon the landtoo expensive the province said

There's fires burning brightlyRaging out of our controlHad the bomber been around She would have known her role

But now she sits beside her lake No job prospect in sightAnd yet her expertise is neededSo her friends started her plight

Bring back the water bomberTo keep our province clearOf fires burning crazy We have the resource here!

Lets hear the rumble in the valleySee that shadow from the skySign the circulating petitionRemind the province why

Martin mars has served so loyal To keep the land secureDropping many loads of water To keep our precious forests pure

The first thunder in the valley That brought all eyes to the sky A big majestic beauty Overhead this plane should fly